Some recruits already have college choices, other still weighing options

Even though the high school football season is still four months away, teams will begin preparations this week.

And for rising seniors, the start of spring practice Tuesday is a signal that the time they have to make a decision on what college to attend is quickly running out.

Teams across the state are permitted to start spring practice Tuesday, with drills involving contact allowed to start Friday. Teams can have 20 sessions and most wrapup with exhibition games at the end of May.

For many football players, spring can be a time to hone their skills and maybe attract a college recruiters attention if they haven't already.

But for University School wide receiver Jordan Cunningham, who is entering his senior season as the sixth best prospect in Broward and Palm Beach counties according to Rivals.com, the start of spring means that he can put aside for now the stress that comes along with the recruiting process.

"I just want to get back on the field and work hard and practice for my teammates," said Cunningham, who is still deciding between Miami, Florida, Stanford, USC and Alabama. "It kind of weighs on me. Having different coaches talk to me is definitely time consuming, but I just have to focus on what I have to get done on the field and in the classroom, and then worry about the recruiting process after that."

Some players have already decided to cut the recruiting process short, making their decisions early.

Last week, St. Thomas Aquinas defensive end Joey Bosa committed to Ohio State. Bosa, who is rated the nation's No. 14 overall prospect, was originally going to wait to make his choice, but he's glad the decision is already behind him.

"It's really awesome, actually," said Bosa, son of former Miami Dolphins John Bosa. "I can just focus on St. Thomas Aquinas. I don't have to get called out of class every day. It's going to be good. I get to focus on school and just my team right now."

And Bosa is not alone. Other top recruits from Broward and Palm Beach counties who have already committed to a college include American Heritage-Delray running back Greg Bryant, who said he will attend Oklahoma, Glades Day running back Kelvin Taylor, who is on his way to Florida, and South Plantation running back Alex Collins, who is expected to play at Miami.

Bryant, who enters the start of spring practice rated the nation's No. 23 overall prospect after running for 2,180 yards and 25 touchdowns as a junior, is relieved that he doesn't have to deal with the responsibilities that come along with the recruiting process anymore.

"It takes a lot of weight off my shoulders because it was real stressful knowing that everybody is waiting on you and everybody is calling you," Bryant said. "I feel good that I can just relax and worry about American Heritage and worry about my senior year."

And other high school football players and coaches can do the same Tuesday — start focusing on football again.

"Our season starts now. That's the way we look at it," Cooper City coach Art Taylor said. "Without football it gets a little boring, so I'm excited that we're about to start up again."